The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been a Colorado Springs institution for more than eight decades — a July run of professional rodeo performances with strong military ties and a downtown parade that kicks off rodeo week.
It's the city's most tradition-heavy summer event, and one of the easiest big events to actually attend: real seats, evening start times, and a venue built for it.
PRCA rodeo across multiple evening performances — bareback, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding — plus specialty acts and military appreciation woven throughout, a Colorado Springs signature. The downtown parade earlier in the week is free and family-easy.
Performances can sell well, especially weekend nights; buying ahead beats the box office line. Lower rows put you in the dirt-and-dust of it; higher seats trade proximity for shade during the early-evening sun.
Rodeo is one of the best big-event experiences for kids in the city — contained venue, real seats, constant action. Ear protection for little ones is smart (the announcer system and crowd get loud), and the family-focused performances are the easiest entry point.
Keep planning
It runs each July across multiple evening performances, with a downtown parade during rodeo week. Check the live listings on this page for this year's schedule.
Since 1937 — more than 85 years, making it one of Colorado Springs' longest-running annual traditions.
Yes — the downtown parade during rodeo week is free to attend and is the most family-accessible piece of the event.
Generally yes — it's a seated, contained event with constant action. Bring ear protection for small children; it gets loud.